Written to accompany his TV documentary series, it has been a bestseller for Andrew Marr.

But all unsold copies of A History of Modern Britain are being withdrawn after the BBC journalist allegedly falsely claimed in the book that a women's rights campaigner had ties to a group of militant bombers.

Publisher Pan Macmillan has issued an 'urgent' stock recall notice on the book, which has already sold around 250,000 copies.

It is believed the books will have to be pulped at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds.

A letter from the firm's managing director, Anthony Forbes Watson, to wholesalers and booksellers said the recall was necessary for 'legal reasons' but refused to elaborate.

But it is understood the recall relates to Erin Pizzey, the women's rights campaigner, who is believed to have complained about Marr linking her to the Angry Brigade.